Pelvic Girdle Pain - advice please

[MrsWones]

Hello,

I am 26 weeks pregnant and experiencing PGP. I think it has been developing for a while but put it down to the baby being low down in my pelvis previously (the sonographer had to tip my feet up to get my baby boy out of my pelvis at my 20 week scan).
It has become worse in the last week and I have bought a pelvic girdle which does seem to offer some help in during the day. I have told my midwife who informed me it will get worse and gave me a leaflet with some pelvic floor exercises in it.

I know that a lot of women experience this and was wondering if it does get better before the baby is born with the exercises and support belt? I am nervous about wearing the belt at night, although I can't find anything to suggest yes or no either way. And I am finding it impossible to sleep on my side, I get pain in my hip, back and lower abdomen within 20 minutes, even with a special pregnancy support pillow it still hurts and I am unable to turn over in bed without holding on to my husband. I am currently sleeping in a semi sitting position but I know that is not ideal and neither is it particularly comfortable or getting me a lot of sleep.

Does anyone have any tips or am I going to have to grin and bear it for the next 14 weeks. (that's ok if I do, I just want to know).

hey, sorry you're having pain. I have found that a hot water bottle relieves the pain a little. I am going to see my osteopath to see whether anything is misaligned, I understand it's not advisable to wear the support belt until you've been re-aligned (otherwise you could find you are exacerbating a problem by wearing it)... just a thought

Sorry to hear you are suffering. I experienced this with my last pregnancy and in my experience all you can do is try to help alleviate the pain. I used hot water bottles, and also went to an osteopath from about week 26. Costly, but worth it as it did help. Since then I have taken up Pilates to try and gain some strength back as nearly a year on my hips are still suffering. This could be old age related though

Hope you feel a bit better soon

Get referred to a physio! Also - book in for a massage (make sure they know you are pregnant)
I've been suffering since 19 weeks. Physio and regular massage has slowed progression down. As its related to hormones it doesn't get better till after baby is out unfortunately.

I don't know if you can sleep with the belt on. Everyone's different but for me, PT wasn't worth it and the PGP didn't get any better until way after the baby was born. Just the hassle of walking to the car, getting in, walking into the PT's office and being poked and prodded there and going back home aggravated my PGP so much that the PT wasn't worth it at all, I gave it an honest try for many weeks but in the end just said no thanks. But like I said, we're all different and I know other women who've benefited from PT for PGP.

About turning in bed, you should look into a maternity slide sheet. I wouldn't be without mine for a single night.

Thanks for all the advice. I'm going to try for a physio referral and see what happens but will look at all the suggestions. The help is much appreciated.